Homa Bay County Police Commander, Lawrence Koilem, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in addressing the growing insecurity challenges facing the County.
Speaking at Ogande Girls Secondary School, Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem, expressed concern over increasing cases of assault, murder, drug abuse and insecurity in the county, describing them as major threats to community safety and development.
“Insecurity remains a major challenge in our county, and it requires the collective efforts of members of the public, stakeholders and security agencies to address it effectively,” Koilem said.
The police commander identified land disputes as one of the leading causes of insecurity in Homa Bay.
According to Koilem, disagreements over land ownership, boundaries, and inheritance issues frequently escalate into conflicts among family members and neighbors, sometimes escalating into violence, murder, and destruction of property.
“Land disputes continue to contribute significantly to cases of assault, murder, and even suicide in Homa Bay. Many of these conflicts can be avoided if people secure proper ownership documents and follow legal procedures when disagreements arise,” he said.
Koilem urged residents to obtain legal ownership documents for their land and seek assistance from relevant government agencies whenever disputes occur.
“Taking the law into your own hands only worsens the situation and often leads to tragic consequences for families and communities,” he added.
The Police Commander also raised concerns over security in school institutions, emphasizing that learning institutions should remain safe environments where students can focus on their education without fear.
“Schools must be safe places for learning. We cannot allow situations that put the lives and well-being of students, teachers, and staff at risk,” Koilem said.
He called on school management committees and boards of management to strengthen security measures within their institutions, including hiring additional security personnel to patrol school compounds and monitor activities around learning institutions.
“Regular patrols can help identify suspicious activities early and prevent incidents that may threaten the safety of learners and school staff,” he noted.
Koilem stressed that school security should be a shared responsibility involving teachers, parents, students, and security personnel.
“Security should not be left to a few individuals. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring our schools remain safe and secure,” he said.
The Commander further highlighted the need for thorough screening of students returning to school after holidays, citing concerns that some learners may bring prohibited items, including drugs and other illegal substances into school compounds.
“We must ensure that students are properly screened, before being allowed back into school. Drugs and other prohibited items have no place in our learning institutions,” he stated.
Koilem described drug abuse as a growing challenge among young people and a major contributor to criminal behavior.
“Many young people find themselves involved in crime after falling into drug addiction. Substance abuse affects judgment and often leads individuals into unlawful activities,” he said.
He said youths are the future of the County and that they should use their talents and skills positively to earn a living.
The Police Commander issued a warning to individuals involved in criminal activities, including theft, and other offenses.
“Anyone found causing trouble, abusing drugs, stealing, or engaging in any criminal activity will face the full force of the law. We will continue to protect lives and property without fear or favour,” he warned.
Koilem further appealed to members of the public to support security agencies by providing information on suspicious activities and individuals involved in crime.
Homa Bay County Commissioner, Ronald Mwiwawi, echoed similar sentiments, saying substance abuse among students has contributed to behaviour that undermine their well-being and educational development.
He blamed drugs for issues such as same-sex relationships among students and other forms of misconduct happening in schools.
The CC urged students to avoid drugs and focus on their education, describing narcotics, including bhang, as a major threat to discipline, morality, and academic performance.
These remarks come amid growing concern over substance abuse among young people in parts of the county, with authorities intensifying efforts to curb the distribution and consumption of narcotic drugs and illicit alcohol.
Mwiwawi reiterated that the fight against drugs would remain a top priority for his administration, noting that eliminating substance abuse is key to improving security, protecting learners and promoting social and economic development in Homa Bay.
by Shanel Kwamboka and Sitna Omar
